Edwardsville ‘Shop with a Cop’ to be held next weekend

EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 244, will sponsor its sixth annual “Christmas with a Cop” program on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Officers and other volunteers say the program gives them a chance to spread Christmas cheer while getting to know some of the citizens of the community. The positive interaction between officers, kids and their families causes a lasting effect.

The program will begin at 8:15 a.m. at Burger King, 2204 Troy Rd. The fast food restaurant donates a free breakfast for the kids chosen to participate in the program. After breakfast, the children will be taken to Target, where they will be paired up with an officer and given $200 to spend on holiday gifts. The Edwardsville Police Department’s Explorer Program and other volunteers will provide gift-wrapping services.

The Fraternal Order continues to fund the majority of the program. This year, the union received donations from private donors and the community. A total of 20 children will be able to participate.